David Graham (November 22, 1955 to May 20, 2012)
TRIBUTES have poured in for much-loved Griffith man, David Graham, who passed away suddenly on the weekend.
Spider, as he was affectionately known, died at Griffith Base Hospital on Sunday after suffering a heart attack, aged 56.
The ever-smiling real estate agent was a loving husband to Sandra and proud father to twins Harley and Mason, 14.
Co-principal of Bowman and Graham Real Estate, Maxine Bowman described her business partner as a devoted family man with a heart of gold.
“His family was always foremost in his mind,” she said.
“He was all about his family. He waited a long time to have them and everything he did was for them.
“He just adored his kids. He went to the school whenever he could and was the coach of their basketball teams. He encouraged their music and anything else they wanted to do.
“He was just an amazing man. He was funny and made light of a lot of things, he had this ability to look on the bright side.”
Mrs Bowman said the steady flow of well wishes received over the last few days was testament to how well-respected David was in Griffith.
“David and I have been in business for 15 years and in that time his integrity and honesty has never wavered. That is something that’s hard to find in people today,” she said.
“He always thought about other people’s feelings, in business he could sometimes be a little bit soft but I think he was the best salesman in Griffith. It wouldn’t matter who walked in the door, he had a way of endearing himself to them, he was so genuine.
“I’m just blown away by the outpouring of love that has been shown. I think of him that way every day but to hear so many other people say how wonderful he was is such a credit to him. On behalf of Sandra and his children I want to thank everybody for their warm responses.”
Still in a state of shock, friend Dom Testoni described David as an “absolute gentleman”.
“I started playing basketball with David about 20 years ago,” he said.
“I can’t believe he’s gone. The world will be a sadder place without him.
“He was such a genuine, kind-hearted bloke. Our hearts go out to Sandra and his whole family.”
David was well-known in the local basketball scene, having played for decades in the local competition and at State League level with the Griffith Demons.
He was also an avid touch player, golfer and musician, performing as a vocalist in a number of local bands over the years.
David is survived by his wife Sandra, children Harley and Mason, his parents Eva and Les and brother Bruce and his family.
A funeral service will be held for David “Spider” Graham tomorrow at St Alban’s Cathedral at 10am.
